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Pat Sajak’s ‘Wheel of Fortune’ final appearance date set

  • The 77-year-old announced his retirement a year ago
  • The final week will show highlights of Sajak’s funniest moments
  • Ryan Seacrest takes over; Vanna White stays as co-host

Wheel of Fortune stars Vanna White and Pat Sajak. (Ricky Middlesworth/ABC via Getty Images)

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(NewsNation) — After 41 seasons spanning 43 years, Pat Sajak’s time as host of “Wheel of Fortune” will come to an end in less than three weeks.

Sajak has already recorded his last episodes, and his last show will air in June. 

Pat Sajak’s ‘Wheel of Fortune’ legacy

The beloved “Wheel of Fortune” host announced last year his plans to retire as host of the show. 

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“Well, the time has come. I’ve decided that our 41st season, which begins in September, will be my last,” Sajak said at the time. “It’s been a wonderful ride, and I’ll have more to say in the coming months. Many thanks to you all.”

Sajak, who has had a four-decade run on the show, took over hosting duties in 1981 when the show aired on network daytime television. He was joined a year later by Vanna White. In 1983, the nighttime version of the show was launched and became one of the top-rated syndicated TV programs. 

Who’s taking over for Pat Sajak on ‘Wheel of Fortune’?

White will continue to co-host one of the most popular game shows in television history, and Ryan Seacrest will take over for Sajak. Seacrest will also remain the host of “American Idol.”

White, the show’s puzzle board handler, is in until the 2025-2026 season, with a reported contract extension through that time.

When White is out, Sajak’s 28-year-old daughter Maggie will reportedly fill in on occasion.

“I think she’s a good replacement if I can’t be there for some reason,” White told E! News last year. “She’s been around it her whole life, so I think she can fill in for me for sure.”

Pat Sajak’s final ‘Wheel of Fortune’ episodes

Sajak’s last “Wheel of Fortune” show will air June 7. It will cap a week of shows themed “Thanks for the Memories” in honor of the 77-year-old. 

The show’s producers have collected some of Sajak’s funniest moments for those final episodes.

What will Pat Sajak do after ‘Wheel of Fortune’

After leaving “Wheel of Fortune,” Sajak will reportedly continue his work as chairman of the Board of Trustees for Hillsdale College in Michigan.

Entertainment

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